Investigation of the sensitivity of turbulent closures and coupling of hybrid RANS‐LES models for predicting flow fields with separation and reattachment

Hybrid models have found widespread applications for simulation of wall‐bounded flows at high Reynolds numbers. Typically, these models employ Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and large eddy simulation (LES) in the near‐body and off‐body regions, respectively. A number of coupling strategies between the RANS and LES regions have been proposed, tested, and applied in the literature with varying degree of success. Linear eddy‐viscosity models (LEVM) are often used for the closure of turbulent stress tensor in RANS and LES regions. LEVM incorrectly predicts the anisotropy of Reynolds normal stress at the RANS‐LES interface region. To overcome this issue, use of non‐linear eddy‐viscosity models (NLEVM) have started receiving attention. In this study, a generic non‐linear blended modeling framework for performing hybrid simulations is proposed. Flow over the periodic hills is used as the test case for model evaluation. This case is chosen due to complex flow physics with simplified geometry. Analysis of the simulations suggests that the non‐linear hybrid models show a better performance than linear hybrid models. It is also observed that the non‐linear closures are less sensitive to the RANS‐LES coupling and grid resolution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synergistic contributions of multiwall carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles in a chitosan–ionic liquid matrix towards improved performance for a glucose sensor

We report an ingenious approach for the fabrication of a promising glucose sensor, GOx/Au/CS–IL–MWNT(SH), that exploits the synergistic beneficial characteristics of multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), chitosan (CS) and room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL). Direct electron transfer between glucose oxidase (GOx) and electrode was achieved. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images of GOx/Au/CS–IL–MWNT(SH) reveal that MWNTs and AuNPs are dispersed in CS–IL matrix. Cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry were used to evaluate the performance of biosensor. The GOx/Au/CS–IL–MWNT(SH) biosensor exhibits a linear current response to glucose concentration (1–10 mM) at a low potential of 0.10 V and precludes interferences from uric acid and ascorbic acid. The GOx/Au/CS–IL–MWNT(SH) biosensor has superior performances over GOx/CS–IL–MWNT(SH).     

Analysis of algorithms for an online version of the convoy movement problem

In the convoy movement problem (CMP), a set of convoys must be routed from specified origins to destinations in a transportation network, represented by an undirected graph. Two convoys may not cross each other on the same edge while travelling in opposing directions, a restriction referred to as blocking. However, convoys are permitted to follow each other on the same edge, with a specified headway separating them, but no overtaking is permitted. Further, the convoys to be routed are distinguished based on their length. Particle convoys have zero length and are permitted to traverse an edge simultaneously, whereas convoys with non-zero length have to follow each other, observing a headway. The objective is to minimize the total time taken by convoys to travel from their origins to their destinations, given the travel constraints on the edges. We consider an online version of the CMP where convoy demands arise dynamically over time. For the special case of particle convoys, we present an algorithm that has a competitive ratio of 3 in the worst case and (5/2) on average. For the particle convoy problem, we also present an alternate, randomized algorithm that provides a competitive ratio of (√13?1). We then extend the results to the case of convoys with length, which leads to an algorithm with an O(T+CL) competitive ratio, where T={Max _e t(e)}/{Min _e t(e)}, C is the maximum congestion (the number of distinct convoy origin–destination pairs that use any edge e) and L={Max _c L(c)}/{Min _c L(c)}; here L(c)>0 represents the time-headway to be observed by any convoy that follows c and t(e) represents the travel time for a convoy c on edge e.     

Studies of an Fe9 tridiminished icosahedron

The synthesis and structural characterization of a nonanuclear FeIII cage complex is reported. The nine iron centers in [Fe9(mu3-O)4(O3PPh)3(O2CCMe3)13] lie on the vertices of an incomplete icosahedron, with the P atoms of triphenylphosphonate at the other three vertices. The paramagnetic core therefore describes a tridiminished icosahedron. Magnetic studies suggest an S=1/2 ground state for the molecule. Analysis of exchange paths and the susceptibility data point to the interpretation that the cluster can be divided into two nearly decoupled sections: an {Fe6O3} section, with an S=0 ground state, in which three oxo-centered triangles bound a central triangle that is not oxo-centered; and an {Fe3O} triangle with S=1/2. The analysis of the susceptibility data leads to a Heisenberg model based on three significant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, with values of 173.7 cm-1 in the {Fe3O} triangle, and 30.9 and 19.1 cm-1 within the {Fe6O3} section, while the exchange between them is <1 cm-1. With these assignments, the theoretical low-temperature differential susceptibility is also in very good agreement with measurements up to 50 T. Magnetic measurements in the milli-kelvin range reveal striking hysteresis loops and magnetization reversals associated with a Landau-Zener-Stückelberg (LZS) transition as enhanced by the occurrence of a phonon bottleneck.     

A family of [Mn6] complexes featuring tripodal ligands

The synthesis and magnetic properties of four new Mn complexes containing tripodal alcohol ligands are reported: [Mn6(OAc)6(H2tea)2(tmp)2].2MeCN (1.2MeCN), [Mn6(acac)4(OAc)2(Htmp)2(H2N-ep)2] (2), [Mn6(OAc)8(tmp)2(py)4].2py (3.2py), and [Mn6(OAc)8(thme)2(py)4].2py (4.2py) [H3tea, triethanolamine; H3tmp, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane; H2N-H2ep, 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol; H3thme, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane]. All complexes are mixed-valent with a [Mn(III)2Mn(II)4] oxidation assignment and are constructed from four edge-sharing triangles but differ slightly in that complexes 1 and 2 display a [Mn(III)2Mn(II)4(mu2-OR)6(mu3-OR)4]4+ core, while complexes 3 and 4 feature [Mn(III)2Mn(II)4(mu2-OR)2(mu3-OR)4]8+ and [Mn(III)2Mn(II)4(mu2-OR)4(mu3-OR)4]6+ cores, respectively. dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies in the 2-300 K range for complexes 1-4 reveal the presence of dominant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, leading to ground states of S = 0 for 1 and 2, while complexes 3 and 4 display S = 4 ground states with D = -0.44 and -0.58 cm(-1), respectively. Single-molecule magnetism behavior was confirmed for 3 and 4 by the presence of sweep-rate and temperature-dependent hysteresis loops in single-crystal M vs H studies at temperatures down to 40 mK. Theoretical density functional calculations were used to evaluate the individual pairwise exchange interactions present, confirming the diamagnetic ground states for 1 and 2 and the S = 4 ground states for 3 and 4.     

In-situ spectroelectrochemical evidences for the copolymerization of o-toluidine with diphenylamine-4-sulphonic acid by UV-visible spectroscopy.

In-situ spectroelectrochemical studies on the copolymerization of o-toluidine (OT) with diphenylamine-4-sulfonic acid (DPASA) were carried out on ITO electrode in 0.5 M H2SO4 for different feed ratios of OT and DPASA. The early stages of copolymerization of OT with DPASA have been identified through spectroelectrochemical techniques. The results revealed the formation of a head-to-tail dimer type of intermediate at the initial stages of copolymerization. This N-phenyl-paraphenylene diamine (PPD) type of intermediate was assigned to have a peak at 550 nm in UV-visible spectra and confirmed via derivative cyclic voltabsorptogram (DCVA). Constant potential electropolymerization results also supported the formation of intermediate with an absorption maximum at 550 nm.     

An ab initio and DFT study on the hydrolysis of carbonyl dichloride

Hydrolysis of carbonyl dichloride or phosgene (Cl₂CO) in gas phase has been investigated at Hartree–Fock, density functional and ab initio levels of theory. The effects of basis sets on the energetics of the reaction have also been explored. Calculations reveal that initially carbonyl dichloride and water form a weak complex and this complex can react further in two ways. In Path 1, water adds on to carbonyl dichloride across carbonyl bond in a concerted fashion to give dichloromethane diol, and this diol decomposes to form chloro formic acid by syn-1,2-elimination of HCl and forms CO₂ and HCl as final products. Path 2 is the concerted addition of water across carbon chlorine bond and elimination of HCl in a single step leading to the formation of chloro formic acid directly. This second path that skips the formation of dichloromethane diol is observed to be very low lying and hence is kinetically favored. Addition of second water molecule to the reacting system is found to catalyze the reaction by stabilizing the complex, intermediate and transition states and reduces the activation energy to 24.6 kcal mol⁻¹ compared to 29.9 kcal mol⁻¹ for a single water molecule.     

Modulating magnetic anisotropy in Ln(iii) single-ion magnets using an external electric field

Single-molecule magnets have potential uses in several nanotechnology applications, including high-density information storage devices, the realisation of which lies in enhancing the barrier height for magnetisation reversal (U_eff). However, Ln(iii) single-ion magnets (SIMs) that have been reported recently reveal that the maximum value of U_eff values that can be obtained by modulating the ligand fields has already been achieved. Here, we have explored, using a combination of DFT and ab initio CASSCF calculations, a unique way to enhance the magnetisation reversal barrier using an oriented external electric field in three well-known Ln(iii) single-ion magnets: [Dy(Py)₅(O^tBu)₂]⁺ (1), [Er{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃Cl]⁻ (2) and [Dy(Cp^Me3)Cl] (3). Our study reveals that, for apt molecules, if the appropriate direction and values of the electric fields are chosen, the barrier height can be enhanced by twice that of the limit set by the ligand field. The application of an electric field along the equatorial direction was found to be suitable for oblate shaped Dy(iii) complexes and an electric field along the axial direction was found to enhance the barrier height for a prolate Er(iii) complex. For complexes 2 and 3, the external electric field was able to magnify the barrier height to 2–3 times that of the original complexes. However, a moderate enhancement was noticed after application of the external electric field in the case of complex 1. This novel non-chemical fine-tuning approach to modulate magnetic anisotropy is expected to yield a new generation of SIMs.

Using a combination of theoretical tools, we show that the application of an external electric field in a certain direction can boost the axiality beyond that set by the ligands, opening up a new avenue for the generation of novel SIMs.     

A novel undecametallic iron(III) cluster with an S = (11)/(2) spin ground state

The reaction of [NEt(4)](2)[Fe(2)OCl(6)] with sodium benzoate, 4,6-dimethyl-2-hydroxypyrimidine (dmhp), and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (H(3)thme) gives the undecametallic compound [NEt(4)][Fe(11)O(4)(O(2)CPh)(10)(thme)(4)(dmhp)(2)Cl(4)]. X-ray crystallography, EPR spectroscopy, bulk magnetic susceptibility studies, and low-temperature single-crystal magnetic measurements were used to characterize the compound. Magnetic measurements indicate an S = (11)/(2) ground state with the parameters g = 2.03 and D = -0.46 cm(-)(1). Single-crystal magnetic studies show hysteresis of molecular origin at T < 1.2 K with fast quantum mechanical tunneling at zero field.     

Polymerization of acrylamide in the presence of ultrasound and peroxomonosulfate

Polymerization of acrylamide (M) in the presence of ultrasound and peroxomonosulfate (PMS) was carried out for the first time for various concentration ranges of monomer and initiator and various temperatures at a constant frequency of 1 Mhz. The rate of polymerization R_p was found to increase with increase in the concentration of monomer and initiator and found to depend on [M] and [PMS]^1/2. The rate of disappearance of initiator (-d[PMS]/dt) was also followed simultaneously under the experimental conditions and found to increase linearly with increase in [PMS]. A probable reaction mechanism was proposed on the basis of the observed results, and the individual rate constant were evaluated. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 2715–2719, 1998